At a Glance
- Maduro was seized in a US-backed raid.
- Pasadenan celebrations erupted at Chamo restaurant.
- Los Angeles protests decried the strike.
- Why it matters: The event signals a possible shift in Venezuelan leadership and U.S. involvement in the region.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was taken into custody Saturday in a U.S.-backed military operation that has sparked celebrations in Pasadena and protests in Los Angeles. The raid, part of a broader U.S. strategy, has drawn sharp reactions from Venezuelans and critics alike. As the country faces a potential transition, the international community watches closely.
Celebrations in Pasadena
At Chamo, a Venezuelan restaurant in Pasadena, owner Yesika Baker welcomed the moment, calling it a long-awaited step forward. She invited everyone to celebrate and expressed both joy and concern about the future.
Yesika Baker said:
> “We are so happy. We invite every single person to celebrate.”
Yesika Baker added:
> “Last night, everyone was crying, happy, celebrating. But there’s a lot of questions in the air about what’s going to happen.”
Tania Llavaneras said:
> “It was so amazing seeing something that we prayed for years.”
Tania Llavaneras added:
> “A free Venezuela, hopefully, we’re on our way to that with Maduro being captured.”
Dozens of Venezuelans gathered, waving flags and calling the moment historic.
Protests in Los Angeles
In downtown Los Angeles, protesters gathered in the rain to condemn the U.S. strike.
Maria said:
> “What he (Trump) did is illegal. Congress did not vote for the attack on Venezuela. So everything he is doing is illegal. That is why we are here.”
Miguel Angel Zapata Flores said:
> “He shamelessly said this morning that they are going to sell the oil to benefit themselves. That is theft, blatant theft.”
Critics argue the U.S. action serves economic interests rather than liberation.
Political Reactions
Jose Mitchell, who left Venezuela this summer, reflected on the long rule and the need to hold onto hope.
Jose Mitchell said:
> “After so many years, we’re talking about probably 25 plus years of this government being in power. You always don’t want to lose your hope.”
President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would run Venezuela and outlined plans to bring U.S. oil companies into Venezuelan operations.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, face indictments in the Southern District of New York on narcoterrorism and other charges.
Key Takeaways
- Maduro’s capture signals a potential leadership shift in Venezuela.
- Celebrations in Pasadena contrast with protests in Los Angeles.
- Trump’s claims of U.S. control and oil takeover plans highlight economic motives.
The arrest has ignited both hope and dissent, underscoring the uncertain path ahead for Venezuela and the complex role of the United States.
